Aquaculture (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Aquaculture

What is aquaculture?

• Aquaculture, also known as fish farming or aquafarming, refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean enclosures

• It involves the rearing, breeding, and harvesting of various species of fish, shellfish, algae and other aquatic organisms for commercial, recreational, or conservation purposes

• Aquatic flora and fauna, both freshwater and marine, are harvested by humans through various methods to meet different needs and purposes

• Aquatic organisms that are farmed include:

  • Fish

    • e.g. salmon, tilapia and catfish

  • Molluscs

    • e.g. oysters, mussels, scallops and clams

    • e.g. snails

    • e.g. octopus and squid

  • Crustaceans

    • e.g. shrimp, prawns, lobsters and crabs

  • Aquatic plants

    • E.g. seaweed and algae

The growth of aquaculture

• Aquaculture has experienced significant growth to meet the increasing global demand for seafood

  • This is driven by population growth, changing dietary preferences and rising incomes

• Aquaculture has the potential to provide a reliable and sustainable source of seafood

  • This can help to meet the protein needs of a growing population

  • At the same time, minimise the impact on wild fish stocks

• By cultivating aquatic organisms through aquaculture, the pressure on wild fish populations can be reduced

  • This allows them to recover and the ecological balance of these marine ecosystems to be restored

   1. Providing additional food resources:

• Aquaculture contributes to global food security by providing an additional source of nutritious food resources

• Cultivating fish and shellfish through aquaculture offers a consistent supply of protein-rich seafood

  • This can help address nutritional deficiencies and improve human health in many parts of the world

• The controlled environments of aquaculture systems allow for efficient production and reduced waste

   2. Supporting economic development:

• Aquaculture has emerged as a significant sector in the global economy

  • It generates employment opportunities, income and economic growth

• It provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in coastal and rural communities, where fishing and aquaculture activities are integral to the local economy

• Aquaculture encourages trade and investments, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of regions and whole countries

Food for future generations

• The growth of aquaculture is expected to continue in the coming years due to several factors:

  • Rising global demand for seafood: the growing population, urbanisation and changing dietary preferences drive the need for increased seafood production

  • Technological advancements: ongoing research and technological developments in aquaculture practices, breeding techniques, feed formulations and disease management are enhancing production efficiency and sustainability

  • Environmental considerations: aquaculture is evolving towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, addressing concerns such as waste management and habitat impacts

  • Innovation and diversification: the development of new species for aquaculture, such as high-value fish and seaweed, opens up opportunities for market expansion

  • Policy support: governments and international organisations are promoting and investing in aquaculture development to address food security, reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and support economic growth

Aquaculture Issues

• Issues caused by aquaculture include:

  • Habitat loss

  • Pollution (with feed, antifouling agents, antibiotics and other medicines added to fish pens)

  • Spread of diseases

  • Escaped species (sometimes involving genetically modified organisms)

  • Ethical Issues and biorights

Issues in Aquaculture

• In addition, issues in aquaculture can often arise regarding international conservation legislation

  • Aquaculture must comply with international conservation legislation and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of resources and to protect biodiversity

  • Compliance with these regulations helps prevent the exploitation of threatened species, maintain ecological balance and ensure the long-term viability of aquaculture practices

• Balancing environmental sustainability, animal welfare and legal obligations is crucial to maintaining an equitable and socially responsible aquaculture sector